Should Minorities Get Special Treatment From Colleges Some Teens Need A Boost

April 7, 1993|By HEATHER KELLEY, Piper High

Every few weeks since the beginning of senior year we have been given a bulletin listing college scholarships. With every new sheet my eyes immediately fly to the eligibility column.

When I see requirements such as African-American or Hispanic, I can`t help but think, ``They don`t want me.`` Me, the American stereotype -- blond hair, fair complexion -- I could sell Noxzema for a living, and they don`t want me.

With each new sheet, I grew more frustrated. Why should a person`s ethnic background affect eligibility for scholarships or college acceptances?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that a person`s background naturally affects his or her ability to be in line to receive benefits.

A student whose family has just emigrated from Cuba obviously needs more of a boost to get to college than I do. For things to eventually become equal for everyone, affirmative action must be employed.

I have always been fortunate. I was born in the United States. My parents have been able to provide a good home and they expect no financial problems when paying tuition at the University of Florida for the next four years.

But, there are teen-agers who aren`t as fortunate as I am -- particularly among minorities.

We are a nation that prides itself on giving equal opportunity to everyone. To fulfill this commitment, we must provide minorities with opportunities as free-flowing as mine.

Only then can we say that everyone, regardless of race, has an equal shot at success. Our past neglect of this country`s minorities requires we now provide them with the means to gain that success. Only after we have corrected our previous mistakes can we continue on as a truly equal America.